The American Center for Philanthropy Inc
The American Center for Philanthropy (ACP) is a public charity based in Northfield, Minnesota. Established in 2001, it promotes philanthropy by providing individuals with ways to carry out their charitable objectives through donor-advised funds.
Key facts about The American Center for Philanthropy Inc
In short: The American Center for Philanthropy Inc gave $6.8M across 103 grants in 2024 (avg $66K), mostly in Minnesota. 25% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990.
- EIN
- 41-2010078
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2024
- Annual giving (2024)
- $6,804,873
- Grants made (2024)
- 103
- Average grant
- $66,067
- Median grant
- $13,250
- New grantees (estimate)
- 25% first-time grantees (26 of 103, 2024)
- Total assets
- $40,834,964
- Primary geography
- Minnesota (56% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- How to apply
- ACP accepts grant requests through its online portal or a printable nomination form. Full details ↓
Data from IRS Form 990, 2024; updated September 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology). Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990 · View filing
Total Assets
$40.8M
-1.0% YoY
Annual Giving
$6.8M
+51.3% YoY
Grant Count
103
-8.8% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$66K
+66.0% YoY
Is The American Center for Philanthropy Inc open to new grantees?
25%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 26 of 103 grantees (25%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $13K; repeat grants $84K. How we count
Medians: $10K first-time, $14K repeat.
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2020–2024). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Mission & Focus Areas
ACP’s stated mission is to promote philanthropy by providing effective, efficient, and flexible means for individuals to carry out their personal charitable objectives using donor-advised funds. Its broader goals include helping donors and financial professionals plan charitable giving and partnering with nonprofits on philanthropic fundraising.
Its 2024 grants included organizations with varied missions. Northfield Shares, which received $2,183,949, says it works to sustain and transform the Northfield community through philanthropy, volunteerism, and collaborative leadership. Macalester College, which received $86,709, describes its mission as a liberal arts education emphasizing scholarship, internationalism, multiculturalism, and service to society. The Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation, which received $35,000, says it works to improve cardiovascular health through research and education. These are the grantees’ stated missions, not ACP’s.
Grantmaking
ACP’s 2024 filing reports 652 grants to charitable organizations. The itemized 2024 grant information lists 103 grants totaling $6,804,873, with a median of $13,250 and a range from $5,200 to $2,183,949.
Ready to take the next step with The American Center for Philanthropy Inc?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
In the 2024 itemized grant data, Minnesota received 56% of grant dollars, Florida 34%, South Carolina 4%, Wisconsin 1%, and the District of Columbia 1%.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 103 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $2.7M (2021) to $6.8M (2024). In 2024 it made 103 grants totaling $6.8M.
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Northfield Shares ($2.2M). Together the top 10 received $5.3M.
Grant Size Distribution
604 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 530 grants of 604 (88%).
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Northfield Shares Northfield, MN | Multiple Grants for Multiple Purposes | $2,183,949 |
| Schwab Charitable Orlando, FL | Multiple Grants for Multiple Purposes | $2,111,600 |
| Central Carolina Community Foundation Columbia, SC | Multiple Grants for Multiple Purposes | $296,317 |
| Hamline University St. Paul, MN | Multiple Grants for Multiple Purposes | $161,774 |
| Christ Community Naples Naples, FL | Multiple Grants for Multiple Purposes | $130,000 |
| Saint Elizabeth's Community Development Foundation Wabasha, MN | Multiple Grants for Multiple Purposes | $120,163 |
| Hastings Public Schools Hastings, MN | Multiple Grants for Multiple Purposes | $88,595 |
| Macalester College St. Paul, MN | Multiple Grants for Multiple Purposes | $86,709 |
| St Philips Lutheran Church Hastings, MN | Multiple Grants for Multiple Purposes | $75,500 |
| St John's Lutheran Church Northfield, MN | Multiple Grants for Multiple Purposes | $75,427 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grant sum |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $40,834,964 | $9,662,924 | $7,461,735 | $6,804,873 |
| 2023 | $41,244,300 | $5,365,464 | $5,316,889 | $4,498,176 |
| 2022 | $38,246,702 | $8,948,755 | $3,919,915 | $3,049,332 |
The 2024 filing states that ACP paid Carlson Capital Management for investment advisory and administrative services. It also states that a board member was a shareholder of the firm and that Gregory Carlson owned more than 35% of it.
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $40,834,964 | $41,244,300 | $38,246,702 |
| Revenue | $9,662,924 | $5,365,464 | $8,948,755 |
| Expenses | $7,461,735 | $5,316,889 | $3,919,915 |
| Net Investment Income | $5,013,978 | $2,121,876 | $1,211,625 |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS October 4, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS October 4, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS October 30, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS November 4, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS November 14, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Gregory A. Carlson as president, Richard Estenson as treasurer, and Arthur Monaghan as secretary. It lists Blake Abdella, Andy Hauskins, and Jim Weinzettel as board members.
The American Center for Philanthropy Inc is led by Gregory A. Carlson, President on every filing since 2020; none of the 6 officers listed in 2024 report compensation.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Gregory A. Carlson
President
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Arthur Monaghan
Secretary
Board Member → Secretary, 2021
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Blake Abdella
Board Member
Secretary → Co-Secretary, 2021
Co-Secretary → Board Member, 2022
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Richard Estenson
Treasurer
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Andy Hauskins
Board Member
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jim Weinzettel
Board Member
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (1)
- Former: Matthew Rich (2020–2021) — Board Member- to
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Contact
Mailing address: 11 Bridge Square 200, Northfield, MN 55057
Phone: (507) 321-4027
Website: https://americancp.org
Frequently asked questions about The American Center for Philanthropy Inc
How much does The American Center for Philanthropy Inc give each year?
The American Center for Philanthropy Inc gave $6.8M across 103 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. In 2023 it gave $4.5M across 113 grants.
What is The American Center for Philanthropy Inc's typical grant size?
The American Center for Philanthropy Inc's median grant in 2024 was $13,250, and its average grant was $66,067, across 103 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from The American Center for Philanthropy Inc that year got $13K on average.
Where does The American Center for Philanthropy Inc give grants?
The American Center for Philanthropy Inc gives mostly in Minnesota: 56% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The next largest state was Florida (34%). The most frequent recipient cities were Northfield, MN (11 grants), St. Paul, MN (11 grants), Hastings, MN (9 grants) and Minneapolis, MN (9 grants).
Does The American Center for Philanthropy Inc give general operating support?
Not in 2024: none of the 103 grants with a stated purpose on The American Center for Philanthropy Inc's 2024 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Multiple Grants for Multiple Purposes" (103 grants).
Who are The American Center for Philanthropy Inc's largest grantees?
The American Center for Philanthropy Inc's largest 2024 grantees include Northfield Shares ($2,183,949), Schwab Charitable ($2,111,600) and Central Carolina Community Foundation ($296,317), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. Together they received 67% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is The American Center for Philanthropy Inc?
The American Center for Philanthropy Inc reported $40.8M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $9.7M.
What does The American Center for Philanthropy Inc fund?
ACP’s stated mission is to promote philanthropy by providing effective, efficient, and flexible means for individuals to carry out their personal charitable objectives using donor-advised funds. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from The American Center for Philanthropy Inc?
ACP accepts grant requests through its online portal or a printable nomination form. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is The American Center for Philanthropy Inc's EIN?
The American Center for Philanthropy Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 41-2010078. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Here's the math on researching The American Center for Philanthropy Inc by hand.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in The American Center for Philanthropy Inc's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders with grantees in common, and similar funders in Minnesota
Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation
St. Paul, MN
The Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation funds community-led work in areas including economic development, health and human services, youth and education, arts and culture, democracy, and nonprofit capacity, serving the East Metro and communities statewide. Its 2025 grants had a median of $26,000, while the Management Improvement Fund offers up to $15,000. It accepts unsolicited requests through open application programs, though some opportunities are invite-only.
Assets
$1.7B
Grants
1,473
Total Given
$107.2M
The Minneapolis Foundation
Minneapolis, MN
The Minneapolis Foundation supports civic, social, and economic needs, including economic mobility, education equity, community safety, health, and the environment. In 2025, its grants had a median of $25,000, though awards varied widely; 77% of grant dollars went to Minnesota recipients. It does not state a general policy on unsolicited requests; current opportunities are closed, and some programs are invitation-based.
Assets
$1.2B
Grants
1,565
Total Given
$121.7M
Thrivent Charitable Impact & Investing
Appleton, WI
Thrivent Charitable Impact & Investing distributes donor-directed and program donations to a broad range of causes and organizations in local, national, and global communities. Its 2024 grants had a median of $11,520 and ranged from $5,006 to $5 million. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$939.7M
Grants
2,565
Total Given
$84.6M
The Richard M Schulze Family Foundation
Minneapolis, MN
The Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation funds education, health care, and human services, including college scholarships, with most support benefiting working- and middle-class families in specified Minnesota and Florida counties; it also makes some national grants. Its 2024 grants had a median of $5,000, though awards ranged from $50 to $10 million. It plans to move to invitation-only grantmaking in 2027; whether it currently accepts unsolicited requests is not stated.
Assets
$218.3M
Grants
1,431
Total Given
$47.9M
Wells Fargo Foundation
Minneapolis, MN
The Wells Fargo Foundation funds nonprofits working on financial opportunity, affordable housing, and small-business growth, with giving at national and local levels. Its 2025 grants ranged from $3,000 to $8 million, with a median of $35,000. It does not accept unsolicited requests; eligible organizations are invited to apply.
Assets
$8.6M
Grants
1,376
Total Given
$157.4M
C K Blandin Foundation
Grand Rapids, MN
The C K Blandin Foundation funds community wealth-building, rural placemaking and small-community efforts, including work on housing, civic engagement, community spaces and food systems. It primarily supports rural Minnesota, especially Itasca County and nearby communities, and its 2024 median grant was $2,900, though awards ranged from $50 to $335,000.
Assets
$506.3M
Grants
931
Total Given
$15.8M
The McKnight Foundation
Minneapolis, MN
The McKnight Foundation funds nonprofit organizations, research, and community initiatives in arts and culture, food systems, climate and energy, neuroscience, and equitable communities, primarily in Minnesota and the Midwest, with some work in Africa and South America and beyond. Its 2024 grants ranged from $1,150 to $10 million, with a median of $100,000; prospective applicants are asked to contact program staff first, who provide proposal instructions if they determine funding may be considered.
Assets
$2.7B
Grants
790
Total Given
$145.9M
Neighborhood Development Center Inc
Saint Paul, MN
Neighborhood Development Center supports entrepreneurs and neighborhood revitalization through business financing, training, services, and affordable commercial space, primarily in Saint Paul and Minneapolis, with grants going to Minnesota recipients. Its 2025 grants ranged from $5,100 to $207,211, with a median of $13,500. It does not state a general policy on unsolicited requests; a specific small-business grant RFP described was a past cycle.
Assets
$55.3M
Grants
571
Total Given
$10.2M
Marshall H and Nellie Alworth Memorial Fund
Duluth, MN
The Marshall H and Nellie Alworth Memorial Fund awards scholarships to eligible students pursuing mathematics, science, engineering, or medical fields, primarily serving students from northern Minnesota. Recent awards were typically $2,500, with grants ranging from $2,500 to $3,000. It accepts applications through its scholarship programs; high-school applications are due January 15, and the college-transfer pathway also has an application process.
Assets
$18.4M
Grants
566
Total Given
$1.5M
Catholic Community Foundation of Minnesota
St. Paul, MN
The Catholic Community Foundation of Minnesota funds spiritual, educational, and social needs through grants for education, capital improvements, assistance programs, and other charitable purposes. Its 2025 grants had a median of $16,124, and at least half of grants over any three-year period are intended for Minnesota organizations; 86% of 2025 grant dollars went to Minnesota. Its Social Impact and Educational Impact programs are invitation-only, while other CCF-directed programs may offer open, competitive applications.
Assets
$751.7M
Grants
504
Total Given
$43.9M
Communitygiving
St Cloud, MN
CommunityGiving supports nonprofits, schools, government entities, students, and community initiatives through partner foundations, donor-directed funds, competitive grants, and scholarships. Its 2025 grants ranged from $5,100 to $680,477, with a median of $15,528; most funding went to Minnesota, though its network also includes Derby, Kansas. Competitive grant applications are accepted through online systems for specific opportunities; the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests generally.
Assets
$282.6M
Grants
426
Total Given
$16.7M
Pohlad Family Foundation
Minneapolis, MN
Assets
$76.4M
Grants
372
Total Given
$14.1M
More Funders in Minnesota
The American Center for Philanthropy Inc down — hundreds of funders to go?